Be an Apprentice

If you’re ready to kickstart your career in aging services, the Health Support Specialist (HSS) Registered Apprenticeship program is a new opportunity for professional caregivers.

Your courses are taught by experts in aging services, readily available to answer questions and provide support as you complete the program. Classes include instruction in culinary care, activities, memory care, environmental services, physiological and psychosocial care. You’ll also have a mentor at your organization to guide you through your 2,500 apprenticeship hours.

One step at a time, online instruction and flexible hours allow you to complete the program at your own pace, while gaining new skills that you can immediately apply to your work caring for older adults.

Think you’re up to it?

Eligibility

18 years or older

High school diploma/GED

Nursing Assistant, Registered

Support from employer

How Does it Work?

Apprentices begin by enrolling in courses at Ridgewater College and are able to complete all seven courses and apprenticeship hours within one to two years.

7 courses (9 credits) online instruction

2,500 hours of on-the-job training

I think the HSS program is wonderful. I think if you commit to the program and the assignments, there is so much useful knowledge to be learned. The classes are college level, so expect to work hard, learn much and become an educated and enriched caregiver to our beloved residents.